Lightning inside my fish tank

xcali1985

xcali1985

Active Member
Thought I would showcase a little project I have been working on.
I used
120 x 3W - CREE LEDS
10 - Meanwell Dimmable Drivers
1 - Apex Base Unit
2 - Apex VDM Expansion Modules
1 - MP3 Player
1 - Desktop Speaker Set with USB Power Adapter.
With this and some programming of my Apex Controller I was able to program a lightning storm, similar to what would happen on a reef during a natural storm.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xphwxo_80-complete-diy-led-sample_animals
Check it out!
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
That's going to be sweet. That's one of the only reasons why I would go with LEDs. I try to make my tanks as close to nature as possible.
 
xcali1985

xcali1985

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/391034/lightning-inside-my-fish-tank#post_3465831
That's going to be sweet. That's one of the only reasons why I would go with LEDs. I try to make my tanks as close to nature as possible.
Since I finally got off my lazy, but and plumbed an independent pump for my chiller, I now have the tank dialed to within .02 degrees variance. Plus with the Apex it contains a seasonal table and you can program your heater and chiller off the seasonal tables. So it runs within .02 degrees of that the actual temp is on the reef. You can even program the LEDs to run the same sunrise and sunset schedule as the LEDs. Even moon lights can run at various intensities to simulate full moons all the way to new moons.
Pretty crazy when like my tank does cloudy day and different moon light settings. You look over and think something is wrong sometimes when the lights are barely on because the tank is currently "under a cloud".
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Lol. Yeah. I'm really getting into all this technical stuff with our tanks. I think I'm going I buy an mp10 and a controller for my tank. Any recommendations? You like your apex?
 
xcali1985

xcali1985

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/391034/lightning-inside-my-fish-tank#post_3465844
Lol. Yeah. I'm really getting into all this technical stuff with our tanks. I think I'm going I buy an mp10 and a controller for my tank. Any recommendations? You like your apex?
Love it, I've seen people using the RKs and they swear by them. I like Bang for buck and you get that with the Apex, otherwise you will have to purchase all the individual modules for the RK to get the same functions as a base Apex.
The apex addons average 100$ each to expand. Add the ability to monitor through the web and iphone/android. Theres almost no limit to what you can do with it. If you wanted you could set your house to be run on it. LOL!
 
xcali1985

xcali1985

Active Member
Added another 24 LEDs to my tank. So thats another driver for lightning strikes. Updated video coming soon.
 
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